Scribbles

So I was called to duty here in Germany for my latest project, one that will involve lots of traveling back and forth between Munich, Berlin, NY, and Orlando for the next 5 months.  This week, designated Week Zero, is the implementation of a great idea that I have not experienced in my previous projects.  This time is scheduled for the team to perform the necessary prep work before the project starts – quite the treat for both consultants and the clients.  I would argue that this should be standard practice, and perhaps is so in other firms, considering our utilization rates (percent of consultant time that is billed over the course of a year) appears much higher.  With more allotted downtime (unbilled time that is), we can spend more effort in the necessary ground work.

For me, there is the additional hurdle of getting used to living and working in Germany.  Since I lack the infrastructure of an apartment, knowing how to get around, etc, I've spent a lot of energy working on these things.  The last few days I've learned to somewhat navigate the subway system.  My daily 35 minute commute consists of 3 train changes and 10 minutes walking.  I've also been re-introduced to the hated notion of supermarkets closing at 8pm.  For the most part, Germany and France are not consultant/INSEAD lifestyle friendly.  Even leaving at an extremely respectable hour of 7:30 pm, I end up dining on quick carbo-heavy meals from the small train station shops.  Sure I could enjoy relaxing European dinners, but that would kill my productivity for the night.

Coupled with my vacation in Asia, my constant movements between hotels force me to learning to live out of a suitcase.  Still, I grumble at having to pack and unpack constantly.  Even though I am happy to return to Fonty tomorrow night (to conduct all day interviews the following day), it's yet another instance of packing, flying, and waking up in another unfamiliar bed.  Thank goodness it's the same timezone.

All in all, my current project seems very exciting.  All the involved parties from my firm appear enthusiastic, committed, and extremely talented.  I should be able to learn a bunch and enjoy knowing two new cities, Munich and Berlin.  My final evaluation results and feedback sessions will wrap up in the next two weeks and I'll share the results and key learnings then.